Application of a continuous assessment tests in the subject “Obstetrics” in the sixth year of Medicine

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction. We designed a “Continuous Assessment Tests” (CAT) for promoting and motivating continuous learning during the course of the subject “Obstetrics” (6th year of Medicine). This progressive learning enables concepts to be internalized, better monitoring of successive classes and facilitates study, improving results. Methods. Four voluntary CAT were designed, one per block of the subject, with 10 multiple choice questions without negative score by mistake to stimulate students to think about each of the questions and make decisions. The CAT were performed in the last 10 minutes of the last class of each block. Medicine has five groups, one per teaching hospital. This initiative was carried out in only one of the groups (group A). Results. 90.9% of the enrolled students attended the CAT. In the first CAT the mean score was 68% (maximum 90%; minimum 50%; mode 70%), in the second 88% (maximum 100%; minimum 60%; mode 90%), in the third 95% (maximum 100%; minimum 80%; mode 100%) and in the fourth 99% (maximum 100%; minimum 90%, mode 100%). The mean score in the final exam of the subject (common to the 5 groups) of group A was 7,300 (out of 10), higher than that of groups B (6,886), C (6,592), D (6,572) and E (6,463). Conclusions. An increase in group and individual progressive yield was observed. The results of the first CAT were more dispersed, and later they were homogenized. The group in which the CAT were performed got better yield in the final exam than the other groups.